 |
|
|
Tamara Sale
Tamara Sale was the lead architect and director of the first U.S. statewide community-based dissemination of early psychosis care. From 2001 through 2024 she led the creation and expansion of early psychosis care in the state of Oregon, from a regional pilot to statewide and national effort, including guidelines, policy and fidelity development. Starting in 2013 she led the creation of a university-based early psychosis technical assistance center and young adult council, and she has been actively involved in the design and implementation of early psychosis care nationwide in the U.S. She was a founding member of the first U.S. early psychosis organization (PEPPNET). Tamara’s experience prior to early psychosis care focused on establishment of mental health reforms including local mental health authorities and system of care approaches, and included ten years as a state board member including two years as president with NAMI-Oregon, a lived experience advocacy group. Tamara has been a lead author on multiple documents including a blueprint for the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors on making early psychosis care universally available in the U.S., a guidance document on steps and decision points on how to implement an early psychosis program, and a document describing how early psychosis care fits into a system of care approach. She is currently a doctoral student in Community Health focusing on developing deeper understandings of combining lived experience with evidence-based practice and building community supports based on appreciation for the capacity of community members including those experiencing psychosis. Tamara brings a unique combination of lived experience and professional experiences, vision and understanding of the importance and elements of flexible, community-based care and effective policy to enable young people to thrive. |
